Alan VanderMolen joins WE to oversee APAC expansion

WE Communications has named former Edelman Asia Pacific CEO Alan VanderMolen as president of its international operations in what it called a powerhouse commitment to global expansion.VanderMolen’s role will see him oversee the agency’s Asia and EMEA operations, as well as playing a cross-agency role in driving strategic growth initiatives. Additionally he will lead WE+, reporting directly to CEO and founder Melissa Waggener Zorkin.He will also work closely with president of North America Kass Sells, APAC executive vice president Matthew Lackie and WE’s EMEA leadership team. VanderMolen will split his time between bases in London and Singapore, working closely with in-region teams. VanderMolen most recently served as global vice chairman for DJE Holdings, Edelman’s parent company, but spent some 13 years as head of its Asia business, which by 2011 had grown into a US$50 million fee income business.“WE is the perfect place for me. The agency’s progressive leadership, independence and deep roots with transformation-enabling brands place it in a position for accelerated growth,” VanderMolen said.Waggener Zorkin added his track record in growing and building businesses and running international operations complements WE’s commitment to transformation and growth.